What does notarization typically serve to authenticate?

Notarization primarily serves to authenticate the identity of the signer and the act of signing. This means that when a notarized document is presented, it is an assurance that a notary public has verified the identity of the individual signing the document and has confirmed that the person signed it willingly and not under duress.

The role of the notary is to ensure that the signatory is who they claim to be, usually through a form of identification, and that they understand what they are signing. This adds a layer of trust and legal validity to the document, as it indicates that it was executed properly and in accordance with legal standards.

In contrast, while the content of the document is important, notarization does not verify the truthfulness or accuracy of that content. Therefore, claims regarding the authenticity of the content itself, the legitimacy of the business involved, or other attached documents fall outside the scope of what notarization specifically accomplishes. Notarization focuses primarily on the identity of the signer and the integrity of the signing process.